Most of my staff are single mothers, I understand their plight. I don't fire them for 3 absences, but I also can't run a business where they call in too much. I've had outrageous attendance issues over the years, it prevents me from growing my business. I'm a single parent as well, and i don't miss any work. I have backup plans, they need to also.
This all started with a poster saying he would call in sick to watch the Bills in the super bowl. Totally different to what is being discussed now. Calling in to watch a game or do whatever fun thing you'd like to do is BS no matter how you cut it.